India approves first Dengue Vaccine 'QDENGA' for people aged 4 to 60
India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA, after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation to Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India. The approval marks a major milestone in the country's fight against dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that affects lakhs of people every year.
QDENGA has been approved for use in individuals aged 4 to 60 years and offers protection against all four dengue virus serotypes. Unlike some earlier dengue vaccines, it can be administered without prior testing for previous dengue infection, making it easier to include in vaccination programmes. The vaccine has already been approved in 43 countries, with more than 32 million doses distributed globally.
Health experts believe the approval could significantly strengthen India's efforts to reduce dengue-related illnesses and hospitalisations, especially during the annual monsoon season when cases typically surge. Takeda has partnered with Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E to expand production capacity, supporting both domestic supply and global demand. The approval is expected to pave the way for wider immunisation strategies against one of India's most persistent public health challenges.
